It’s not that Merle Haggard isn’t a joy when you speak with him. The wit, intelligence and frankness with which he has crafted some of his most loved songs are all in the forefront as he speaks, but ...

Back in January, Vanguard Records signed "the poet of the common man," country-music legend Merle Haggard, to its roster. His new album for the label, I Am What I Am, is his first recording since 2007 ...

Cody Johnson and Jamey Johnson honor Merle Haggard with covers as April connections fuel country music folklore.

Merle Haggard is one of the defining voices of country music. And he’s at it again, defiantly proclaiming I Am What I Am while delivering a relaxed and introspective collection exploring life and love ...

The late Merle Haggard sang about breakups, working, loving, fighting, American flags, getting drunk and working some more. (SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "WORKIN' MAN BLUES") HAGGARD: (Singing) Well, hey, hey, ...

Many a veteran must have gone off to war listening to Merle Haggard. The country singer has died after a storied life that once seemed to be going almost as badly as those of his characters.